Sunday, November 4, 2012

Respecting Mother Nature

Grandmother Bessie grew up in The Great Smokey Mountains. Grandfather Issac delivered the U.S. mail in the mountains. My Grandparents had great respect for nature. Below are photos of Mt. LeConte taken from the High on LeConte blog of the effect of Super Storm Sandy on the mountains.

It started snowing on October 29

When it stopped snowing there was 3 feet of snow and drifts as high as 4 feet! (yes, 3 feet of snow in Tennessee in October!)

While beautiful, hiking in these condtions is very dangerous!

Can you image delivering the mail on horseback in these conditions? Grandmother Bessie would share stories with me about Grandfather Issac and his mail route in the mountains. In the winter, it was common for Grandfather to return home with his clothing frozen to the saddle and stirups.